Virtual Reality Cultivator-Chapter 65: Helion Vault

The journey to Helion Vault took nearly a full week. Its location was hidden among the shattered remnants of a dead star, as if the universe itself was trying to protect whatever lay inside. Every navigation system nearly failed to detect the entry path. But thanks to the final signal from Regalis Prime, Ardent Flame managed to breach the gravity veil concealing it.

"This place... it's no ordinary planet," Claire murmured, eyes locked on the display filled with energy distortions.

"More like... a prison," Nova nodded, watching the fluctuating force fields enveloping the world.

The Voice Within

Even before landing, Ember felt the pressure in her chest. Something inside her churned, as if her soul and body were being tested against an external will.

"You've come at last... lost child..."

The voice was no longer just an echo. It was a breath, slipping in and crawling through her mind.

Bell placed a hand on her shoulder from behind.

"You're not alone."

The Gate Locked by Time

They landed on Helion Vault's surface—its ground gleamed like black marble, while the sky flashed with silent purple lightning. In the middle of the empty expanse stood an ancient structure: a massive cylindrical tower wrapped in metal roots, like veins stretching from the planet itself.

The entrance was hexagonal, sealed by six distinct symbols that seemed to react to specific energy signatures. As Ember approached, one by one, the symbols lit up.

"It seems this Vault was built for you," Nova said in awe.

But the final symbol... remained dark.

"We need the last key," Ember said. "And I don't think it comes from me."

Conflict Within

That night, as darkness cloaked the Vault, Ember separated herself from the others and sat before the gate. She closed her eyes, trying to speak directly to the entity that had been calling to her since Regalis Prime.

"You must see... who you truly are."

Visions filled her mind—images of a world before Nexus, a world consumed by greed for knowledge and the creation of beings beyond control. She saw herself—not as a victim, but as a tool.

As a key.

An Uninvited Presence

A sudden signal caught the team off guard. A small ship approached—unidentified, no transponder. They readied for battle, but as the ship landed... a single figure emerged.

A young woman, silver hair and cold blue eyes. She walked with calm confidence, greeting Ember with a strange smile.

"At last, we meet, sister."

Everyone froze. Ember stood still.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Lyra. Prototype 06."

The Shadow Sister

Lyra revealed she was a previous Nexus experiment—a failure, but one that survived. Not discarded, but repurposed by Orivath as a spy and primary instrument to reactivate the old systems.

"I was trained to replace you. But you came back... and now we have a choice."

"You don't have to be their tool," Ember said firmly.

"I don't care about being a tool. I want that power. I want to be the center of everything."

Tension rose. Bell and Claire had already raised their weapons, but Ember lifted her hand.

"If you truly are my sister... then let's open the Vault. Together."

The Door Opens

Lyra stared at her for a long moment. Then reached out her hand. As Ember touched it, the final symbol lit up.

The gate to Helion Vault opened slowly, revealing a glowing corridor leading into the planet's depths.

Ember looked back. "We don't know what's inside. But the truth won't wait."

Bell nodded. "Then we face it together."

With steady steps, they entered the Vault. The light swallowed them whole.

Chapter Close

In the darkness of the Vault, an ancient voice spoke:

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"Full prototype has returned. Initiating Nexus Reboot... now."

And with that, Ember's fate changed forever.